Hand grip exercise machine

ABSTRACT

The hand grip exercise machine has two L-shaped props and interlinked load elements. L-shaped props are located on the supporting frame, strengthened by stiffening ribs and having openings through which a shaft extends on two sides with at least four levers installed circle-wise oriented at the same angle to each other and strengthened by at least one row of jumpers. The levers installed on both sides of the shaft are connected pairwise by transverse handles. Besides, L-shaped props are equipped with lanyards tied to straps tossed over the ends of the shaft. The weights having different range of loading force can be fastened on transverse handles of the exercise machine.

The invention relates to sports training machines, in particular,exercise machines intended for the development and strengthening ofhuman body muscles. It will have the most widespread use for thetraining involving cyclic hand movements (running hands), and formuscle-strengthening exercises both of cyclic nature and repetitivenature, such as presses, arm bending and unbending exercises, dip barexercises etc.

The life of a modern man is closely related to the use of exercisemachines. They are helpful in achieving an excellent physical shape,preserving a great health condition for a long time, restoringdisordered functions during the rehabilitation. Nowadays regular gymvisits are not required as it is possible to achieve desired results byinstalling necessary sports exercise machines at home. The advantage ofhome exercise machines is the possibility to build muscles at any timewithout sticking to any gym operation hours that are not alwayscoincident with a real free time a person may have. Constant gymmembership purchases can affect a family budget in a considerable way.Besides, as a rule, only family members have access to home exercisemachines.

Exercise machines are widely popular not only among the users who wouldlike to have athletic body shape and develop different types of musclesbut also among those who want to regain their health after injuries,various diseases etc. It is because of high popularity and real benefitof exercises the particular attention is given to the issue of creatingnew and improving existing structures of training and rehabilitationexercise machines.

The prior art represents a wide range of structural embodiments ofvarious exercise equipment where the features of construction of eachembodiment primarily depends on what group of muscles should be built,as well as the location of the exercise machine.

Thus, the RF patent No. 12793 (IPC⁸: A63B 9/00, published 10 Feb. 2000,Bulletin No. 4) represents one of the most classic types of exercisemachines— «gym ladder—monkey bar», whose key purpose is arm building.The exercise machine is made in the form of a mounted vertical framewith bars consisting of two equal movable parts. The upper frame isadditionally equipped with a rope ladder. During the training the useris doing “running hands”, alternately grabbing the bar and moving alongthe ladder.

The disadvantage of this exercise machine is a low efficiency level andlimited range of use. The reason for this is that during the bar armgrip the user's body hangs loose, with the joints being strained by itspersonal weight. Under such conditions a person can get tired veryquickly especially when he/she is overweight or physically disabled. Dueto simplified design of this machine, only a certain group of musclescan be trained, so, it is obvious that it can be interesting and high indemand for the persons doing some physical workout but not going in forsports.

The machine is known for swimmers' muscle-strengthening exercises withthe key purpose to train arm muscles during rowing movements. Theexercise machine is a supporting plate with the built-in hook attachedto the wall bar. It consists of flexible rod tossed over the roller,where the handle gripped by a sportsman is fixed on one end, and theother end is connected to the resistor element made in the form of aslide bar (A.s. No. 204212, IPC⁷:A63B, class 77a, 21/00, published on 9Oct. 1967, Bulletin No. 21, 1967). The training provides for theresistor element load change allowing the manipulation of the value offorce that can be developed by a sportsman.

As in the example above, the disadvantage of training on the exercisemachine is a limited list of muscles to be trained—in the process, theupper body is involved, while the lower one, in particular, musclegroups of the press, is only partially strained. The training processitself cannot be categorized as flexible, because practically the sameexercises are performed on this exercise machine bringing the sameresult. Besides, the exercise machine cannot be moved from place toplace—it is tied to the gym wall, and it is not suitable for use at homeat all.

The exercise machine which is more promising in terms of enhancement ofoperational capabilities is the exercise machine presented in the patentof the Russian Federation No. 2635795 (IPC⁹: A63B 21/00, published on 15Nov. 2017, Bulletin No. 32). In contrast to the exercise machinesdescribed above, it is mobile (installed on wheels), so, if necessary,it can be moved to any convenient place depending on the configurationof the room, in addition, the gymnastic equipment of the exercisemachine provides the opportunity to train different muscle groups. Theexercise machine is built on the basis of a controlled pneumaticcylinder with the rod tied to the power cable, tossed over a roller,mounted on a vertical telescopic prop. The loose end of the cable isequipped with quick-release fasteners for various areas of the user'sbody.

The point of training exercises is that depending on the specifics ofthe task, certain areas of the user's body are tied to the power cableusing fasteners, thereafter the user starts making training movements.The telescopic prop allows changing angles of traction force dependingon the group of muscles the training is focused on. The displacementamplitude of body areas, programmed efforts, time parameters of theexercises are transmitted to the rod of pneumatic cylinder whoseoperation mode is adjusted through computer software via control panel.

The main disadvantage of this exercise machine is the complexity ofstructural design, considerable bulkiness and high cost—it is equippedwith complex structural elements, besides, it requires computerhardware. It is obvious that this exercise machine is not accessible toa broad spectrum of users.

The hand grip exercise machine is taken as a prototype of the inventionhaving two L-shaped props and interlinked load elements (RF patent No.172210, IPC⁹:A63B21/22, published on 30 Jun. 2017, Bulletin No. 19). Theload elements are two wheels fixed on the same axis, made in the form ofa rim with levers (spokes). The wheels are interconnected by bars andL-shaped props are tied by horizontal tubes making the props stable.

During the training with the exercise machine, the user in suspensionclimbs on the bars by performing “running hands”. At this moment thewheels turn with the efforts adjusted by the braking device.

The disadvantage of the exercise machine is its simplified and ratherprimitive construction focusing on a limited range of movements only andtherefore unable to ensure the training of a broad group of the muscularsystem. For example, the user cannot develop grip strength andendurance, hand and forearm strength effectively, let alone a lower partof the body and crunches. Besides, the structural components of theexercise machine and the properties of their attachment are veryunreliable and are not designed for significant efforts, thus, it ismore acceptable for children.

As stated above, during the “running hands” exercise, the joints arestrained by a personal weight and that results in high tiredness and forsome categories of people such type of training is very problematic oreven impossible.

The disadvantage of the exercise machine also lies in the fact that itis not mobile, the exercise machine is fixed to the wall through twopairs of hooks.

This invention is based on the creation of a multifunctional,structurally simplified hand grip exercise machine, which is easy toinstall and operate by improving its structural construction, inparticular, by equipping it with wheels, fitting it with levers on bothends of the shaft, pairwise coupled bars tossed over the transversearms, allowing the user to make intense movements and to developconsiderable traction force in the conditions of variation of theresistance value, diversify grips, body positions and postures relativeto the exercise machine and thereby create the load for a broad group ofmuscles of both upper and lower body.

This task can be achieved thanks to the fact that in the hand gripexercise machine having two L-shaped props and interlinked loadelements, according to the invention, L-shaped props are mounted on thesupporting frame on the wheels, strengthened by stiffening ribs and haveopenings through which a shaft extends on two sides with at least fourlevers installed circle-wise oriented at the same angle to each otherand strengthened by at least one row of jumpers, while the leversinstalled on both sides of the shaft are connected pairwise bytransverse handles, through which the endless rope can be thrown,besides, the L-shaped props are equipped with lanyards tied to strapstossed over the ends of the shaft. The weights having different range ofloading force can be fastened on the transverse handles of the exercisemachine.

The technical result that can be achieved during the performance of theproposed exercise machine is contingent on the features distinguishingit from similar designs of training devices described according to theprior art, in particular, in the solutions taken as a prototype.

The main distinguishing feature of the proposed exercise machine is itsversatility, because the structure of this device combines thecapabilities of a whole range of training means of various types, eachdesigned for training only a specific group of muscles. First andforemost, this versatility is contingent on a wide range ofpossibilities provided by the unlimited number of levers and transversehandles (crossbars) between them, as well as the rope tossed over thesehandles allowing to train even those groups of muscles that cannot beloaded on standard exercise machines.

Thus, when making pulling movements under conditions of different leverrotation resistance value, the exercise machine allows the maximizationof the force of grip, hand and forearm. Its structure allows the changeof body position relative to the exercise machine adding a variety ofexercises both through levers and through the rope involving a greatarray of muscles of both upper and lower body into the training.

It is well known that ordinary sit-ups often can create unnecessarystrains on the neck and back making them extremely complicated or evenhazardous. Holding onto the rope, levers or transverse handles, one canchoose a position (for example lying position) where the sit-up can beefficiently done without involving neck and back muscles. Likewise, theleg muscles can be easily trained in a lying (or sitting) position.

Thanks to the chain, the exercise machine can be connected to anycable-pull machine with removable weights (kettlebells) and thus providea possibility to train the arm and shoulder muscles by pulling the ropeof the cable-pull machine up, as in a deadlift, or down, as during therope rising.

The “dip bar exercise” simulation is a variant of training exercises. Todo such exercise, a sports rubber (rubber tape) is fixed to thesupporting frame and when it is stretched, a certain group of musclescan be strained.

By reducing the resistance and finding the optimum speed, the exercisemachine can be used for aerobic training, and thanks to the variety ofexercises and resistance control, it will be an aerobic exercise with anincredible amount of calories burned. At the same it providescardiovascular and power load which cannot be reached during thetrainings using standard sports equipment.

It should be noted that the rope is a very important and effectivesupplement to the proposed design of the exercise machine, itsignificantly increases its operational capabilities, but the trainingthrough the use of such machine cannot be so effective without a rope.For example, strength and endurance can be developed by running over thebar and exercising “running hands”, with the important moment oftraining being the possibility to change the power of resistance oflevers' rotation. For this purpose, the weighting mediums of differentweight are fixed on transverse arms of the exercise machine, and theresistance is adjusted by the braking system—lanyards connected to beltstossed over the ends of the shaft.

Summarizing the material, we can note that the proposed exercise machineis an effective tool for increasing strength and endurance, which is agreat supplement to daily training for both professional athletes andamateurs, people of all ages and different physical condition. Thanks toits mobility, it can be equally successfully used in gyms, at home andfor outdoor sports grounds.

The structure of the proposed hand grip exercise machine is explained ondrawings illustrating the following:

FIG. 1 —general view of the structure in isometry;

FIG. 2 —view of the exercise machine with endless rope;

FIG. 3 —view of the exercise machine with the weighting medium;

FIG. 4 —view of the exercise machine with the sports rubber;

FIG. 5 —schematic front view of the exercise machine.

The hand grip exercise machine (FIGS. 1-5 ) has a supporting frame 1,installed on wheels 2. On the supporting frame there are two fixedL-shaped props 3, strengthened by stiffening ribs 4. The props haveopenings, through which shaft 5 extends on two sides with levers 6installed circle-wise and on the ends of these levers there are handles7 that the user can hold on during the exercises. The number of leversvaries depending on the purpose of the exercise machine—from four andmore. The levers are oriented at the same angle to each other andstrengthened by one or several rows of stiffening jumpers 8 (FIG. 1-4 ).The levers are connected pairwise by transverse handles 9, through whichthe endless rope 10 is thrown (FIG. 2 ). L-shaped props are equippedwith a breaking system, in particular, lanyards 11 tied to straps 12tossed over the ends of the shaft. The weights 13 (FIG. 3 ) can befastened on the transverse handles wherein, if necessary, such weightscan be changed depending on training conditions. Besides, the exercisemachine can be equipped with sports rubber tape 14 (FIG. 4 ) coveringshaft 5 and supporting frame 1.

The exercise machine is operated as follows:

The structure is installed in the place required for exercises. With thehelp of a lanyard, the power of resistance of the shaft is determinedfor a specific situation—the more efforts the exercise requires, themore the shaft is clamped. Then, by exerting some efforts, the userperforms training to roll the shaft. These efforts can be exerted byrope or by any other method described above, in particular through theuse of weights or sports rubber.

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 5. A hand gripexercise machine, comprising: a supporting frame; two L-shaped propslocated on the supporting frame, the two L-shaped props strengthened bystiffening ribs and comprising openings through which a shaft extends ontwo sides with at least four levers installed circle-wise oriented at asame angle to each other and strengthened by at least one row ofjumpers, where levers installed on both sides of the shaft are connectedpairwise by transverse handles; interlinked load elements; and at leastone lanyard tied to straps positioned over ends of the shaft.
 6. Thehand grip exercise machine of claim 5, wherein the supporting frame isconfigured to be installed on wheels.
 7. The hand grip exercise machineof claim 5, further comprising a rope loop positioned over thetransverse handles.
 8. The hand grip exercise machine of claim 5,wherein the transverse handles are configured to support one or moreweights having a different range of loading force.
 9. The hand gripexercise machine of claim 8, wherein the at least on lanyard tied tostraps positioned over ends of the shaft comprises a braking systemconfigured to adjust a resistance of the one or more weights.
 10. Thehand grip exercise machine of claim 6, further comprising a rope looppositioned over the transverse handles.
 11. The hand grip exercisemachine of claim 6, wherein the transverse handles are configured tosupport one or more weights having a different range of loading force.12. The hand grip exercise machine of claim 11, wherein the at least onlanyard tied to straps positioned over ends of the shaft comprises abraking system configured to adjust a resistance of the one or moreweights.
 13. The hand grip exercise machine of claim 7, wherein the ropeloop forms a circular rope positioned around the transverse handles. 14.The hand grip exercise machine of claim 6, wherein the wheels compriselocking wheels configured to maintain the supporting frame in a fixedposition.
 15. A method, comprising: identifying a hand grip exercisemachine, comprising: a supporting frame, two L-shaped props located onthe supporting frame, the two L-shaped props strengthened by stiffeningribs and comprising openings through which a shaft extends on two sideswith at least four levers installed circle-wise oriented at a same angleto each other and strengthened by at least one row of jumpers, wherelevers installed on both sides of the shaft are connected pairwise bytransverse handles, interlinked load elements, and at least one lanyardtied to straps positioned over ends of the shaft; and using the handgrip machine to perform one or more exercises.
 16. The method of claim15, further comprising moving the supporting frame on wheels installedon the supporting frame from one location to another location.
 17. Themethod of claim 15, further comprising positioning a rope loop over thetransverse handles.
 18. The method of claim 15, further comprisinghanging one or more weights having a different range of loading force onthe transverse handles.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprisingadjusting a resistance of the one or more weights with a braking systemthat comprises the at least on lanyard tied to straps positioned overends of the shaft.
 20. The method of claim 16, further comprisingpositioning a rope loop over the transverse handles.
 21. The method ofclaim 16, further comprising hanging one or more weights having adifferent range of loading force on the transverse handles.
 22. Themethod of claim 21, further comprising adjusting a resistance of the oneor more weights with a braking system that comprises the at least onlanyard tied to straps positioned over ends of the shaft.
 23. The methodof claim 17, wherein the rope loop forms a circular rope positionedaround the transverse handles.
 24. The method of claim 16, wherein thewheels comprise locking wheels configured to maintain the supportingframe in a fixed position.